For more than four decades, generations of Central Arkansas riders have learned to race, competed for state and national points, and introduced their children to BMX at Bonzai BMX in Burns Park. Now, one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating BMX tracks could be nearing the end of its run.
The future of Bonzai BMX is expected to be discussed during the North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Monday, July 20, at 5:00 p.m. at 2700 Willow Street. Supporters are urging current and former riders, parents, and BMX enthusiasts to attend after learning that city officials are considering replacing the racing facility with a public bicycle playground rather than rebuilding the existing track. The Parks Commission has been discussing Bonzai BMX throughout 2026, with updates appearing on multiple meeting agendas.
More Than a Dirt Track
Bonzai BMX traces its roots back to 1982 or 1983, making it one of the oldest BMX facilities in Arkansas and among the oldest continuously operating BMX tracks in the United States. The track has occupied its current location in Burns Park since at least the early 1990s.
Over the years, thousands of riders have passed through its starting gate. Many began racing as children before returning years later with families of their own. The track has hosted local races, introduced young people to competitive cycling, and provided an affordable youth sport centered on skill development, sportsmanship, and family involvement.
Burns Park itself remains one of Arkansas’ premier recreation destinations, offering more than 1,600 acres of trails, sports facilities, playgrounds, golf courses, camping, and the Bonzai BMX facility as one of its many attractions.
A Victim of the 2023 Tornado
Bonzai BMX’s current situation did not begin because of declining participation.
On March 31, 2023, a devastating tornado tore through Burns Park, bringing down an estimated 10,000 trees and forcing the closure of nearly the entire park for cleanup and repairs. While much of the park has since reopened and facilities such as Funland have been rebuilt, Bonzai BMX never returned to operation.
According to Bonzai BMX organizers, reconstruction of the track began in June 2024. However, the volunteer-led effort stalled because of a lack of suitable dirt and sufficient manpower to complete the project.
Since then, the partially rebuilt track has remained idle, waiting for the resources needed to reopen.
A New Direction?
Supporters say they recently learned the city is considering a different vision for the property.
Rather than rebuilding the sanctioned BMX racing facility, officials are reportedly discussing construction of a public bicycle playground, sometimes called a bike park or pump track, that would be open to casual riders without organized racing.
Those types of facilities have become increasingly popular because they require less volunteer staffing and can serve a broader range of recreational cyclists.
But BMX advocates argue that a bicycle playground cannot replace what Bonzai BMX provides.
A sanctioned BMX track offers structured racing, coaching, youth development, national competition opportunities, and a close-knit community that extends well beyond the riding surface itself.
An Opportunity for Both?
Some cycling advocates believe the discussion should not be framed as choosing one facility over the other.
Across the country, many communities have successfully developed pump tracks or bicycle playgrounds alongside traditional BMX race tracks. The facilities serve different purposes and often complement one another.
A bicycle playground introduces children and new riders to bike handling skills in an informal environment. A BMX race track provides organized competition, coaching, and a pathway into one of cycling’s Olympic disciplines.
Rather than replacing Bonzai BMX, supporters suggest Burns Park could become home to both recreational and competitive cycling facilities.
The Lease Question
Another issue facing the track is its relationship with the city.
According to organizers, Bonzai BMX currently does not hold a lease for the property, despite operating at the site for more than three decades.
Without a formal agreement, volunteers say it has been difficult to move forward with rebuilding efforts or invest significant resources into the facility’s future.
A renewed lease or operating agreement could provide the stability needed to recruit volunteers, attract sponsors, and seek grants or donations for improvements.
What Would It Take to Bring Bonzai Back?
Supporters believe reopening Bonzai BMX is still possible if several things happen:
- The city commits to keeping BMX racing at Burns Park.
- A long-term lease or operating agreement is established.
- Dirt and heavy equipment become available to complete the rebuild.
- Volunteers return to finish construction and maintain the track.
- The local BMX community rebuilds its racing program and membership.
The track has historically relied heavily on volunteers, as is common with USA BMX-affiliated facilities across the country.
Why It Matters
The decision extends beyond a single sports venue.
Bonzai BMX represents more than 40 years of Arkansas cycling history. It has introduced countless young riders to competitive cycling while providing an affordable family activity that emphasizes fitness, confidence, and community.
As Arkansas continues investing in cycling through mountain bike trails, greenways, pump tracks, and outdoor recreation infrastructure, many riders believe there is still a place for traditional BMX racing in Central Arkansas.
The upcoming Parks Commission meeting could determine whether Bonzai BMX becomes another chapter in Arkansas cycling history or begins a new one.
For many former racers, the message is simple: the track can only survive if the community shows that it still matters.
Thanks to David Larson for the photos.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
